New affordable senior housing in St. Thomas [Video]

St. Thomas is touting another breakthrough in its approach to affordable housing.

A 24-unit senior apartment building has opened on Flora Street downtown.

Initially, a private company was set to manage it, but that’s when the city stepped in.

It is good news for Dave Horton, who moved from nearby Rodney, Ont. just three weeks ago.

Horton had been paying $2,000 in rent. Now, it’s less than half that.

“I’m 71 years old and I’m on a very small pension now by myself. So, yeah, it made a big difference,” he said.

Dave Horton inside his new unit in a 24-unit senior apartment building on Flora Street in St. Thomas on Nov. 18, 2024. (Sean Irvine/CTV News London)

Horton’s story resonates with Mayor Joe Preston.

For years, he and other Ontario mayors have been struggling with existing methods to solve the housing crisis.

Then, suddenly, the project presented a partial solution.

It began when a local developer announced plans to develop 24 single-bedroom units next …